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Coins, Currency, and Medals

The Museum possesses one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. The collections include over 1 million objects, comprising coins, medals, decorations, and pieces of paper money. Among the many great rarities here are some of the world’s oldest coins, created 2,700 years ago. But the collection also includes the latest innovations in electronic monetary exchange, as well as beads, wampum, and other commodities once used as money. A special strength lies in artifacts that illustrate the development of money and medals in the United States. The American section includes many rare and significant coins, such as two of three known examples of the world's most valuable coin, the 1933 double eagle $20 gold piece.

Minted in Russia in 1845, this pattern ruble was issued during the reign of Nicholas I. Married to Charlotte (Alexandra Fedorovna) of Prussia, Nicholas I ruled from 1825 to his death on March 2, 1855. He led the Russian army unsuccessfully in the Crimean War, but helped defeat the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1828-29). Under his rule, the Russian Empire spanned over 7.7 million square miles.

Obverse text: Nicholas I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicholas I.

Reverse text: 1845 / 4 zlotn. / 21 shares of pure silver

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

This ruble proof was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.

Obverse text: Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicholas II.

Reverse text: Ruble / 1895

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

Minted in Russia in 1840, this coin worth 12 rubles was issued during the reign of Nicholas I. Married to Charlotte (Alexandra Fedorovna) of Prussia, Nicholas I ruled from 1825 to his death on March 2, 1855. He led the Russian army unsuccessfully in the Crimean War, but helped defeat the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1828-29). Under his rule, the Russian Empire spanned over 7.7 million square miles. Obverse text: 12 Rubles to the silver / 1840 SPB / 9 zlot. / 68 shares of pure Ural platinum

Obverse image: No obverse image.

Reverse text: No reverse inscription.

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George, the imperial crowns on each head stand for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

This pattern 5 ruble was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II, Czar from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.

Obverse text: Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicolas II.

Reverse text: 1/3 of Imperial / 5 rubles / 1895

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

This pattern 10 ruble was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II, Czar from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.

Obverse text: Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicolas II.

Reverse text: 2/3 of Imperial / 10 rubles / 1895

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

This pattern 15 ruble was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II, Czar 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.

Obverse text: Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicholas II.

Reverse text: Imperial / 15 rubles / 1895

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

This pattern 25 ruble was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.

Obverse text: Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Nicholas II.

Reverse text: Imperial 2 ½ / 25 rubles in gold /1896

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.

Minted in Russia in 1726, this 2 ruble novodel was minted during the reign of Catherine I. Catherine I was crowned Czarina of Russia ruled from 1725 to her death in 1727.

Obverse text: Catherine the Empress and Autocrat of all Russia

Obverse image: Portrait of Catherine I

Reverse text: Two rubles / 1726 / new coin

Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.